I was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts in March 2021. I had two lumpectomies and a course of almost 40 rounds of radiation during July 2021. After the radiation treatment, in August 2021, I began taking Arimidex, an estrogen blocker.. After four months of taking it, I had sores on my lower legs, I had very frequent urination, feeling like I had a bladder infection, which was starting to plague my mental health. Without telling my doctor right away, I stopped taking it. It took three months for my legs to clear up from the sores and to not feel like I had to urinate all the time. But I was still concerned. I'd also had a fainting spell which now I think was due to the stress in my body from my reaction to this particular estrogen blocker. (I'm not a fainter!)My doctor and NP wanted me to start taking Exemestane, another estrogen blocker soon after stopping the first one. I was afraid of what my reaction to the drug would be because I had had such an averse reaction to the first one. I doubted their advice to me.In March 2022, I contacted the secondopinion.org because I wanted some doctors to render their advice who were independent of a larger institution like Kaiser, UCSF or Stanford. I wanted to know if I should be taking an estrogen blocker at all because my reaction had been so bad. The Oncology social worker at Kaiser gave me their name. She seemed doubtful, however, because she told me that I was so far along in my treatment that she didn't think thesecondopinion.org would take me. How wrong she was!After sending in my information they contacted me the next day to let me know that they had chosen me to be reviewed by their panel of doctors, I was ecstatic! They reviewed my medical chart and gave me a date when one of the doctors would phone me and talk to me prior to the panel review which was going to be by Zoom.Dr. Lessin called me two days before the panel review and spent an hour on the phone with me! She helped me understand how the body makes estrogen after menopause, information about anatomy and other information that I was eager to learn so that I had a better understanding of what was happening to me. It was reassuring.Two days later via Zoom, I met with the panel of five or six doctors from various specialties. They had all reviewed my medical records. The main takeaway from this meeting was that I had to keep taking an estrogen blocker for a total of five years.They let me know that there were options, so that if one estrogen blocker gave me a bad reaction, I could try another. They also counseled me on how to start on the drug and what to do if I started to notice a bad reaction happening. But the bottom line was this: I needed to take an estrogen blocker because my tumors were estrogen receptor positive. If the cancer comes back, it's not treatable. So, I'm taking Exemestane, and while I've had some side effects--not as bad as with Arimidex--I'm able to manage them based on the advice that the panel of doctors gave me. I will not give up.We met for 45 minutes. It was an amazing experience and I'm so grateful to them, for putting in the time and effort to share their expertise with me. They wrote up a report of their findings and sent it to me and to the doctors on my medical team that I designated.I can't praise thesecondopinion.org enough for how they helped me to navigate the maze that is cancer treatment. And the really wonderful thing is, if I need to reach out to them again, they will help me again, too. Really, anybody in California who has been diagnosed with cancer of any type, who is at any stage in their treatment process, who has doubts or needs information unfettered by a large institution with its protocols and ways of doing things, then the secondopinion.org is there for you. And they will not send you a bill!
Thesecondopinion organization should be the standard by which all non-profits are
measured. I was honored to have my prostate cancer case reviewed by
thesecondopinion Volunteer Physician team and their opinion both verified my
oncologist’s plan and provided a suggestion for an additional therapy, should his plan
not prove efficacious.
From my first interaction on May 27, 2024 with Program Coordinator Deborah Morris
through the consultation with the Volunteer Physician panel on June 28, 2024, the
process was efficient, compassionate and professional, and the summary of our
consultation, which was provided within a week, was impressive and extremely valuable
in my follow-up meetings with my oncologist and with a radiation oncologist.
The panel of six physicians was impressive and the research they had done on my
prostate cancer history even more impressive. My pre-conference meeting (by Zoom)
with Dr. Peter Gordon was very helpful and reassuring and his summary of the
consultation was thorough, easy to understand and very timely.
I truly believe my thesecondopinion experience will greatly enhance both my physical
and emotional well-being, and at 80 years of age I find that to be a true blessing.
I have been volunteering with thesecondopinion for over eight years, and it has been an honor to support patients and their families by providing them with information and assistance. As a two-time cancer survivor, I know how confusing and scary a cancer diagnosis is.
I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that the compassionate staff and knowledgeable physician volunteers have on the lives of those seeking a second opinion. Patients often arrive feeling scared and uncertain, but they leave with a clearer understanding of their condition, which empowers them to move forward. Every patient needs hope, and thesecondopinion offers hope along with a plan.
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As a volunteer and a cancer survivor I see the impact The Second Opinion makes on patients lives. Often they come to their panel review confused by their diagnosis, afraid of the treatment, and unsure of their future. They come out of the panel review confident in the knowledge of their disease, understand why treatment is being recommended and see a path forward. This is an incredible non-profit that truly cares about the people they serve.
I was treated by Kaiser for bladder cancer and contacted thesecondopinion.org for just that....a second opinion. They reviewed my records and agreed with both the diagnosis and Kaiser's treatment plan. I will always be grateful for their input, as they went into much greater detail than Kaiser had, in terms of both the current and future implications. They were always kind, polite, detailed, knowledgeable, compassionate, and completely professional. They made themselves promptly available for any questions or concerns I might have. Of course I hope to never need them again but will not hesitate to contact them if I do. I highly recommend them to one and all.
What an incredible non-profit! Anyone who has had a loved one go through a severe illness and needed a second opinion knows how costly it can be, especially when you’re already focused on caring for someone with a terminal illness. thesecondopinion provided us with a crucial second opinion that not only helped us confirm that staying with our current provider was the right choice, but also gave us much-needed peace of mind.
SecondOpinion was extremely helpful and very prompt in getting back to us. The Professional expert who spoke to us was very knowledgeable as well. I am so grateful to SecondOpinion for their timely help.
A cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience.
Fear, anxiety,denial,anger, uncertay:these are only a few of the emotions that can surface and be overwhelming.
The good news (and the bad news in a way) is that there is an incredible amount of information available to us as one newly diagnosed with cancer.
But where to turn for accurate, unbiased, understandable advice?
Fortunately I was directed to The Second Opinion, (by the Cancer Support Community, (San Francisco Bay Area), another great Organization that also offers incredible support.)
The Second Opinion staff was unfailingly warm and supportive and encouraged me to submit my application. The process was easy to understand and I was able to have my case reviewed by a panel of volunteer(!) doctors, who were able to confirm my diagnosis and plan for treatment, all at no cost.
This was incredibly important and reassuring to me and brought me a level of comfort that is hard to underestimate.
I will always be grateful to the Second Opinion organization and all the staff members that help to support me during a difficult time.
The Second Opinion was an incredibly valuable resource for our family during my mom's cancer journey. My mom was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer this year, and a friend who is a breast cancer survivor recommended we reach out to The Second Opinion. The Second Opinion Team was so responsive, caring and incredibly helpful. A gynecologic-oncologist from the Second Opinion team graciously answered our initial questions via email early in the treatment process, and later sat down with us virtually for over an hour at a truly crucial juncture in the treatment journey prior to surgery. He provided so much valuable information and insight into my mom's diagnosis and treatment plan, provided a detailed overview of the various surgical approach options, gave an expert second opinion on the plan proposed by her own surgeon and medical oncologist, and high-level thoughts on likely maintenance therapies following surgery. Throughout the experience, the Second Opinion team treated my mom and our family with such incredible care and empathy, and our conversations with them provided so much clarity and comfort during a very difficult time. This is an amazing non-profit, led by an incredible team, and we are so grateful to have had this resource available to us.
A serious cancer diagnosis rattles every part of your life. The Second Opinion provided clarity and perspective in a highly professional, compassionate setting. In this long and often confusing process filled with so many choices and opinions, I was intently listened to and then received a complete written report containing the opinions from a team of highly respected cancer specialists. I can’t say enough good things about this organization. I am forever grateful.
Dealing with cancer is a nightmare for both the patients and the families and support groups.
The SecondOpinion was a godsend.
The caring and impeccably well- organized team of doctors and administrators helped us to understand the progress of the disease, the effectiveness of the treatments, and our options.
It is unlikely we would have had the bandwidth (or financial means) to have a team like this focused on our case.
It is difficult to write this review because we simply can't find the words to highly-enough praise this organization.
What do you do when out of nowhere you are told that you have breast cancer? Scared. Lost. Not knowing what to do, so much information on Dr. Google. Where to start? What to believe? Luckily, when I was diagnosed, a friend told me about Thesecondopinion. From the moment I contacted them, from the warmth, the caring, the compassion to my meeting with a whole team of uber-qualified doctors, Thesecondopinion was there for me. I was not alone. They took their time to review all of my information, spent time with me with such patience and compassion and knowledge. Knowing that I was not alone, was fully supported, and that I got invaluable information and advise was vital for my treatment and my sanity.
I’ve recommended to my oncologists that they ensure that all of their patients know about The Second Opinion.
My story starts nine years ago when I was first diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. I received 40-some radiation treatments at a top rated teaching hospital. Five years later, I was again diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, and this time it metastasized to my hip. Radiation again, and hormone therapy. Between the cancer and the treatment, my hip was weakened, and two years later it fractured. Just before the second surgery on my hip, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Sometime between the second hip surgery and the bladder surgery, I was diagnosed with “abnormalities in my heart”. The bladder surgery was postponed.
This history is just to indicate that my situation was, if not life threatening, was very complicated.
I contacted TheSecondOpinionand their response was great.
It became very obvious that TheSecondOpinion volunteers not only looked at all of my medical records, but that they really studied them .The Zoom panel was marvelous. I have work experience with multi-disciplinary teams and I have volunteer experience with Zoom conferences. I would not have guessed that a multi-disciplinary Zoom conference could go so well. I learned a lot about my condition(s) and about myself. Most importantly, however, was that I walked away with a degree of comfort with my treatment team that I had not experienced in the last nine years.
TheSecondOpinion recommended minor adjustments to my treatment plan, but assured me that I was already getting state of the art care. I can’t overstate how important that was to me.
I now extol the TheSecondOpinion to anybody that would care to listen.
After finding out I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at age 37 (with two young sons) I was so lost and confused. My doctors wanted to move fast and before I could even wrap my head around the diagnosis I was being asked to agree to an aggressive treatment plan. I did not understand half of what they were telling me and the other half went in one ear and out the other because of how overwhelming it all was. I was being called almost all day long for weeks from different people asking questions setting up different appointments and scans.
I knew I needed help making these decisions and just understanding all of the info that was being presented to me. I honestly did not think I would need all of this surgery/treatment. I thought my cancer care team was over exaggerating and being obsessive with everything. I did not know what to believe. I tried to get opinions from other major hospitals with no help and the daunting reality of how expensive it would be deterred me as well. Not only would they close my referral out for not answering my phone. I would have also had to pay out of pocket for the opinion of each different doctor/surgeon. In my case that would have been 5 different opinions which would have easily cost me 3k. The reality of this was terrifying. I was supporting two young children on my own and had to stop working my two jobs to have surgery and start treatment.
I was given a binder to look through. On the resources page I came across “thesecondopinion”. I sent an email hoping they would be able to help. I was on a time crunch and to my surprise, the same day, I received a call from them. Lori and Deborah picked up my case and instantly started helping me gather all the information they needed to give to a doctor on their panel for review.
Within a few weeks, they set me up with a doctor in time for me to go over the first steps of treatment I was facing which was major surgery. They carefully looked over my scans and tests and asked me questions and were able to help me understand what I was facing, why and what other options may look like.
Once I finished that hurdle, I again contacted them for an opinion from an oncologist before I started a very “aggressive and classic old school” chemo plan. Again, I was given the insight and opinion from a very knowledgeable doctor who was able to walk me through what I was about to endure.
My case was a little different in that my age of 37 (pre-menopausal) and having had a positive lymph node at my initial surgery, none of my care team could give me a straight answer if undergoing more surgery on the lymph nodes would be beneficial as there was no research available on the specific matter. Thankfully, I was able to again get insight and talk with a doctor from “the second opinion”. They gladly gave me their insights and gave me very encouraging support.
Lastly, before I started radiation I was given yet another opportunity to speak with a doctor on their panel who again was extremely helpful, insightful and supportive. I had an even quicker turn around time for this and they were able to set me up just in time.
I am truly forever grateful to “the second opinion” organization for all of the support they have given me through this trying ordeal. They have helped me feel more confident and comfortable with making tough decisions about my health and care and provided a viewpoint outside of the hospital I receive care from. They also were able to give me a realistic perspective on what I was facing and how seriously things needed to be addressed. My denial about everything was clouding my ability to make these hard decisions but talking with the doctors at the second opinion she’d light on the reality and I trusted what they offered to me. They continue to offer me support on my road to survivorship and I know I can always count on them. My journey is not over, I will start a medication regimen for the next 10 years. All the research on breast cancer only goes out 10 years, statistics only talk about 20 years after diagnosis. I will only be 47 in 10 years. As more research is hopefully done and more things become available, I know I can count on the second opinion to help me through it all.
They respond, they show up, they go above and beyond, they care, are connected to very knowledgeable and insightful and caring doctors who provided me with the opinions I truly needed. I feel more at peace knowing I have them to lean on and my sons will have their mom to watch them grown up. This is truly what a non profit is and should be. They are leaders in helping people like me get what they need in order to survive.
Thank you!
Forever grateful
The second opinion couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. I had to make a decision about surgery within the month and my doctors gave me several options. I had no idea which one to follow and the decision was mine. I was fortunate enough to get a phone consultation with one of the second opinion’s surgeons, Dr. Bailey who was wonderful.
I was clear now, which type of surgery I wanted and felt like the weight had been lifted off my shoulders and could focus on my recovery.
Thank you so much for setting this up and the program team was wonderful to work with; always welcoming and compassionate throughout the entire process.
I can’t say enough about them; they are great.
I've had bladder cancer for 2 years now, early stg 1. Have had 2
surgeries/burning/biopsies, am on 3rd round of chemo (cancer came back
recently).
Several mos ago, Dr. treating me recommended the 2nd surgery/biopsy/burning,
as at 3 mo checkup he saw original spot looked suspicious, mentioned if
cancer had spread, would recommend bladder removal, plastic bag to piss in, super
heavy duty hair falling out puke your guts out chemo, distinct
possibility cancer would continue spreading. Dr. is highly educated, trained, experienced, totally professional, has kept me alive for 2 years now which I appreciate. However, I was finding difficult to get questions answered. (If you’ve ever been to
fast food drive thru, when you get to speaker, not a good time for questions with long
line of customers behind u) Found 2nd Opinion online, along with UCSF who wanted
$900 bucks for same. I am not homeless. I am far from rich. Called 2nd
Opinion, staff (Deborah) were fantastic, patient, set up appointment, waited month or
so, spoke by speaker phone to several expert Dr.’s (oncologists, cancer
specialists, whole 9 yards)
Having gone online in pathetic attempt to get medical degree from
Google school of medicine, had several questions, main 1 being stopping,
walking away from any further treatment, let nature take it’s course, as treatment
might be worse than dying.
All Dr.’s on call were objective, honest, patient. I remember most
of all the head, or chief Dr. Kleckner, who explained, in simple easy to understand terms, if somebody got spot of skin cancer on arm, Dr’s are going to try to treat
the spot 1st, before amputating the whole arm. That is why I continued treatment even
thru today.
I completely understand there is huge gap, or chasm, between the
worlds of medical care professionals, Dr.’s, hospitals, institutions, & patients.
2 different worlds. If I hadn’t found 2nd opinion, almost randomly or by accident,
on Google, there is every chance I would have just walked away from any further
treatment for bladder cancer. I still might, if/when cancer spreads. But 2nd
Opinion gave me honest, objective, voluntary information, no charge, that I was unable
to get through normal channels, 3 mo check ups, so by their response, continued
existing treatment.
I have no answers or solutions. But I do know that 2nd Opinion,
thanks to the voluntary efforts of all in their organization, are providing an
invaluable service to patients, to any or all cancer patients who need
honest, objective, expert, kind, information to make decisions that are life or
death. I strongly urge you to help 2nd opinion continue their efforts to help
patients, who do not have the means financially, or comprehension for Latin sounding lab results in different language, or Dr. recommendations, in their effort
to provide information to help patients understand what is going on, or options.
As mentioned, I can not thank 2nd Opinion enough. Though I am
coming to end of the road, no doubt, 2nd Opinion provides invaluable, free, info that
helps patients get through the maze that is healthcare in the USA, to make
informed decisions, & hope you will help them, 2nd Opinion, any way you can, so they can continue their efforts to help patients navigate healthcare in good old USA.
Thank you.
In Jan 2023, Paul (age 85) was diagnosed with stage 4 prostrate cancer which metastasized into his bones. We contacted The Second Opinion. From the very beginning starting with their web site, dealing with the administrative staff and our phone conversation/meeting with the doctors involved in the decision making, we were impressed with their organization. They treated us with patience, sensitivity and compassion for our situation. They gave us encouragement. This was important to us, as we were vulnerable with our uncertain future. We imagine there is a large number of people/families in the cancer community who are in need of this service and we will continue to support The Second Opinion in hopes of giving everyone the opportunity that we had.
I had a complicated case of cancer. and new doctors whom I didn't know. The Second Opinion was a godsend in providing me, at no charge, a thorough and objective review of my medical records from different doctors and hospitals. The doctors at The Second Opinion were so generous with their time and care. I have never known anything like this. They gave me their professional opinions, leaving me with a lot of confidence and peace of mind. They make you feel so welcome, starting with the Program Coordinator, Deborah, who is both efficient and kind. I can't say enough about this unique charity, and I'd encourage anyone with a cancer diagnosis to reach out. They are amazing.
Getting a cancer diagnosis is the most challenging time of my life. Felt totally lost in the new medical world and doubting all medical options & decisions I have to make.
I was desperate and filled out the online form on the website in the middle of the night. Was surprised with the responsiveness when Deborah called me back the next morning to understand the situation. Her soothing voice and words of encouragement calmed me down instantly as I was weeping during the call.
The process with Lori to set up the call with Dr. Shoba Kankipati was fast, seamless and professional. Dr. Shoba Kankipati is very knowledgeable, patient and explained to me very well and thoroughly. She made me feel much more confident in the path forward. Best call I had with Drs so far.
Professional doctors volunteered their time out of their busy schedules to offer clarity for many patients as lost as me. This enhanced my trust of their 2nd opinion.
I felt very blessed and thankful for Deborah, Lori and Dr Kankipati's help. They are like angles sent.
Thank you very much for this meaningful non profit organization, thesecondopinion, and all the volunteers.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about thesecondopinion. I found them during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Getting a cancer diagnosis at 34 truly rocked my world and the amount of decisions and information thrown at me was extremely overwhelming.
I reached out to thesecondopinion and got a response within a day that my case would be reviewed. From emails to phone calls, everyone on their team is so caring and kind. I was elated to be accepted; I received a complete review of all my (many, many) medical files and a meeting to review their opinions. I was able to ask questions, get confirmations, and really left feeling confident in what my next steps would be for treatment. The doctors were compassionate and extremely knowledgeable. They even followed up with my post-meeting on some new findings after getting my latest imaging results. Their advice was life changing for me and I'm forever thankful that their organization exists!
I received a breast cancer diagnosis and found myself in a state of uncertainty about whether chemotherapy was the right path for me. A friend recommended Secondopinion, and I can confidently say that it played a pivotal role in saving my life. Faced with the urgent need to make a decision, Secondopinion promptly connected me with an oncologist who offered invaluable insights into my specific cancer type and its stage. This information empowered me to make a well-informed choice. Thanks to Secondopinion and the oncologist's expertise, I made the decision to forgo chemotherapy, which turned out to be the best decision I've ever made during my cancer treatment journey.
My breast cancer journey began in September of 2020 at the age of 56 I was diagnosed with a very rare form of Stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer in my left breast (occurs in 1% of women). My treatment consisted of a lumpectomy, lymph node removal (2), 8 rounds of chemotherapy Adriamycin/Cytoxan and Taxol in addition to 19 rounds of radiation.
In April of 2022 at the age of 58, I was diagnosed with High-Grade Malignant Neoplasm with Epithelial and Sarcomatoid Elements (Metaplastic Carcinoma) in my left breast that was hidden inside a fat nercrosis. In May of 2022 I was diagnosed with Grade III Triple Negative Breast Cancer in my lymph nodes. I had a Modified Radical Mastectomy Operation on Lymphatic Structures.
I had a lot of emotions behind my new diagnosis, as I now have had 3 breast cancer diagnosis in less than 2 years. A friend recommended The Second Opinion, and I was fortunate to be accepted as a patient. The Second Opinion team gathered all my medical records and a team of 5 experienced doctors from different areas of medicine reviewed my case.
A treatment plan was outlined for me, after discussion with the panel chair and my oncologist. My treatment onsizted of 9 cycles of immunotherapy treatment using Check-Point Inhibitor Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and 6 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of Gemcitabine/Carboplan. The expertise of The Second Opinion doctors was invaluable. The mission of this non-profit organization is powerful and a huge gift to the world of health. They were detailed, effective, reliable and caring; a true blessing of hope for me. - Velinda D. Galvin, Patient
My father was recently diagnosed with the very rare and aggressive Merkel Cell Carcinoma in the lungs and elsewhere. In my scramble to do everything possible to fix it, I found this amazing organization, The Second Opinion, who reviewed my father's case with a full panel of amazing doctors (oncologists and radiologists). They pooled their collective knowledge and came up with some remarkable, cutting-edge treatment options which are now being reviewed by his oncologist. This is an amazing service provided at zero cost to those seeking a true, unbiased second opinion. I've just donated to their cause and I hope you will consider doing the same. If you have a moment, please check it out. Thank you. ❤
I had a wonderful experience with this organization. I had concerns and questions about proposed therapy for my recurrent cancer. A simple phone call to them got the ball rolling. They sent me all the forms I needed, they took care of getting my medical records etc. A panel of physicians from radiologists to oncologists reviewed my case and went over all of their suggestions with me ( via Zoom). I then received a printed copy of all that was discussed. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend reaching out to them if you want a second opinion.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer and heard about this nonprofit through a support group of mine. I was newly navigating this disease and tried to research as much as possible to be informed about what was to come and arm myself with as much information as I could to make the best treatment decisions, but only having the internet and the medical team that was covered by my insurance I was left feeling unsure about the whole situation. The opportunity to get a free second opinion outside of my medical team was priceless. Being able to talk with doctors from all over about my case gave me the confidence to be able to decide how to move forward with treatment. I couldn't be happier and more thankful to the organization for all of their help.
This was an unbelievably good experience. 5 oncologists spend their whole day doing case review and second opinions for 3 patients. Oncology pathologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists. Also excellent volunteer support staff, one of whom was a two time cancer survivor, so personal experience and understanding. The physician panel did a thorough review, with all the ct & pet scan etc images up on the screen; went over all the labs; the staging; current medical trials, and the patient’s options going forward, with very detailed explanation of each. (I was not the pt, I was one of her support people). Quite a bit of the detailed review of her diagnostic studies was new to the pt. She had found it difficult to get detailed explanations from her oncology team. For me ( a retired ICU nurse, it was an incredible experience, and really clarified the pts best course of action, with great detail as to why. As we all know, most practicing physicians do not have the time to do this with ANY of their patients, much less each one. The support staff also spent a lot of time with us, going over resources available, and a resource for any future inquiries. An AWESOME service, all volunteer!
Thesecondopinion - free second opinion for San Francisco cancer patients. It is a group of professional doctors who give their time and experts opinion regarding cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
I had breast cancer in 2006. Thesecondopinion helped me tremendously.
They explained to me my diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
They calmed my fear.
They talked to my doctor on my behalf .
They gave me strength to fight.
July of 2019 I was diagnost with skin cancer.
Even I'm patient with experience, I got scared and upset. Thanks to thesecondopinion, I again got help and support.
I highly recommend thesecondopinion to people dealing with cancer.
Thesecondopinion is GreatNonprofit.
They're great. Thanks to Lori Bode, all doctors and staff.
When i was struggling with decisions to be made about my future, second opinion stepped in and gave me hope. The in depth second opinion given was so thorough and complete that it clarified many things about my diagnosis and gave me the information i needed to make an informed treatment decision during a stressful time. The input was invaluable.
Dear Consultants,
Since your uplifting consultation, my life has returned to almost normal because I believe now that Kaiser's treatments improve my chances of disease-free survival. No more distrust can ruin my pleasure in life!
When camping on Mt. Diablo for Easter my positive feelings were like a colorful collection of Easter eggs. Spring seemed beautiful as ever and my belief in doctors' integrity warmed my heart.
My search for financial support of your amazing assistance in making cancer patients feel professionally consulted(WITHOUT CHARGING A FEE) will continue as long as I live. You are the most admirable group of people!
Forever grateful!
I am a grateful recipient of thesecondopinion. I was diagnoses with prostate cancer early this year and was confused as to the best treatment option. The opinion I received from thesecondopinion specialist helped me greatly in making that decision.
I underwent surgery in May this year. All early results, including the biopsy following surgery as well as my first PSA are indicative that the prostate cancer was successfully and completely removed from my body.
I want to thank you for your gracious service and thoughtful kindness. Also many thanks to the great doctors who give so much of their precious time. Your program is immeasurable service to many!
Thank you again!
Thank you so much for all your help and guidance. What a wonderful service Thesecondopinion offers. I am very fortunate to have had so many doctors review and report on my case.
In December 2016 I was diagnosed with Stage III non-small cell lung cancer at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto. A biopsy was also performed at Stanford and confirmed the tumor in my right lower lobe plus cancerous cells in lymph nodes near my esophagus. My Stanford team recommended 3 rounds of high dose chemo therapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor.
I asked thesecondopinion to review Stanford's findings, diagnosis and treatment recommendations. A panel of highly qualified physicians with thesecondopinion thoroughly reviewed my case, findings and Stanford's treatment recommendations. I met with the panel in San Francisco and they answered all my questions, agreed with Stanford's findings and treatment plan. Having that second opinion gave me a great deal of comfort knowing my recommended treatment plan was spot on for my condition.
Unfortunately, after 2 rounds of Chemo I suffered a moderate heart attach on March 10th, 2017. In light of that event my Stanford Team decided surgery to remove the tumor after Chemo would be far too risky. They therefore recommended 5 rounds or Chemo plus 22 daily sessions of radiation treatments. Once again I asked thesecondopinion to review this new treatment recommendation. And again, after careful review they concurred with my Stanford Team's findings and recommendations. Once again the professional panel of physicians at thesecondopinion gave me a great deal of comfort and the courage to proceed with the combination of chemo and radiation therapy.
I'm a true believer in thesecondopinion and recommend anyone with cancer seeking answers contact this great organization. And, the most beautiful part is there is absolutely 'no charge' for this fantastic service and the piece of mind.
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I am lucky enough to be a program coordinator at thesecondopinion which allows me to help others in understanding their cancer diagnosis. I am originally from Southern California, and have primarily worked in customer service, however after watching my grandmother go through breast cancer treatment, and a cancer scare myself in December, I felt the need to help patients on a person to person basis. Not only does this organization assist patients in a stressful time, but does so with compassion and empathy that truly benefits each individual patient.
It is with a very full and grateful heart that I am sending you an update on my case. After seeing you all there, we changed our insurance and transferred my care to the doctors up here in Northern California. I had the tumor removed , 30 radiation treatments. Good food, exercise and supplements all through out the treatments and I am happy to say that my current CT scan shows no new spots, the pulmonary nodules that the previous hospital said were metastatic and therefore put me at Stage 4 - are no longer an issue per the Oncologist here. All is stable, I do have some inflammation from the radiation but expected that. Will follow up with a PET scan in September. Words cannot express how thankful I am for you all and the doctors up here where I live for having a whole different perspective and thoughts process for my care. Thank you so much and please share with all that were involved with me. I tell folks about you guys all of the time. Thank you and God bless all of you and all of us fighting cancer and other debilitating illnesses.
I am SOOOOO Grateful to your doctors for supporting me and helping me twice, even, and I just HAD to share my GREAT NEWS with you all! I had a CT scan follow up on Tuesday (5/29/18) and my doctor told me I no longer have ANY cancer in my breast! I've been taking that drug that starts with an A. No surgery. My husband and I just REALLY wanted to tell you all this GREAT News! We are so appreciative of your doctors and the way they helped us, just so grateful. Please tell them right away! We are CELEBRATING!
To the second opinion,
I do wish I could donate more, but I only have a limited income and this is my monthly tithing to my church. Since you were my "angel" this month, I'm sending it to you. I just wish there was some way I could express my gratitude for your service you provided and the grace and friendliness and compassion in how it was given.
Thank you so very much!
To my friends at 2nd Opinion,
Thank you so very much for your support and for giving me such detailed, diverse individual to me about my case information. So many of you coming together to discuss MY case and it showed that you CARED and had looked at all of my background before we sat down to meet.
You really helped me feel better about my decision and gave me strength.
Best wishes to you all!
I left my thesecondopinion panel feeling very fulfilled, not always the case with cancer situations. Thank you for the time and dedication your whole staff and doctors gave us.
I am very grateful for the chance to be included as a patient at thesecondopinion. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and neuroendocrine cancer in my lung in 2014. After telling my doctor I wanted a second opinion, she recommended that I try thesecondopinion. The office staff was cheerful, prompt, and professional. The panel was made up of doctor specialists from different disciplines. They had all looked at my records ahead of time and were ready to discuss and answer any questions about my case and then they made recommendations for a plan. It totally put my mind at ease to have another opinion about the type of cancer, staging, and treatment needed. It is very humbling when professionals of this caliber volunteer their time to help people in their darkest time of need. THANK YOU!!
Thesecondopinion is a place where cancer patients come for help, support and hope.
I'm a former patient.
I met there beautiful people who helped me to understand my diagnosis , prognosis, who gave me hope and who talk to me and my oncologist on my behalf.
All for free . Thesecondopinion is great nonprofit . Special thanks to Director Lori Bode.
I had a wonderful experience at thesecondopinion! I was able to ask all of my many questions and receive thorough and understandable answers. It's definitely a place where patients can feel "heard" by doctors - sometimes for the first time since their diagnosis.
In March I started working at thesecondopinion as their Program Coordinator. It is absolutely my favorite position thus far as I Iove interacting with and supporting our patients! I feel that we are providing an invaluable service and we cherish our volunteer physicians who make this all possible. Way to go, thesecondopinion!
Dear Doctors,
Immense Thank Yous to each of you for the time and attention you gave me regarding my health concerns. Your insight and advice are PRICELESS to me and my family and we feel quite privileged to have been a part of thesecondopinion program!
Thesecondopinion is a unique organization in that patients and their families have the opportunity, free of charge, to ask face-to-face questions of an objective panel of doctors who specialize in the patient’s specific treatment needs. This experience provides clarity for cancer patients who face difficult decisions in their treatment.
I had the honor of attending a second opinion panel in support of a patient, and I found the panel physicians to be very knowledgeable, professional, and informative. The staff obtained all of the medical records, pathology slides, and radiology for second opinion panel to review. They were very welcoming and made us feel right at home!
Thesecondopinion in an invaluable resource for patients with cancer and families coping with the illness of their loved ones.
Thank you to the second opinion doctors and staff for all the information and help! I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and I was not feeling comfortable with my treatment plan. I wanted a second opinion to be sure I was on the right path and that the medical industry was not out to save money and not give me the best treatment plan possible. After sitting with a panel of very kind and informative doctors I learned I was in fact on the best treatment plan and they also gave me hope. I walked out of there feeling better than I have about my diagnosis in weeks. Thanks again!
I just want to express my gratitude to Lori and Dr. Kleckner at the Second Opinion during my time of desperate need. I was in a situation where two doctors gave me two different treatment options which caused me a lot of anxiety and stress in making the final decision. In addition, i had a time constraint to make my decision. In order for one of the treatment to be effective, I need to start right away...what should I do??? Thanks to Lori and Dr. Kleckner who were able to quickly helped me with their valuable advices which gave me the confidence and comfort that I need to make my final decision for my treatment. The Second Opinion is truly a terrific organization which provided much-needed support for cancer patients.
This organization not only helped me in understanding my cancer diagnosis but also gave me the reassurance I needed to proceed with the proper treatment that is necessary in defeating this disease. I am utterly grateful to both the coordinator, Lori, and the panel who oversaw my case. If facing unknowns or uncertainties regarding your cancer diagnosis and treatment, or even need reassurance that you are headed in the correct direction, I highly recommend reaching out to thesecondopinion for help. We need more organizations like this out there!
I was fortunate to be granted a panel second opinion with Thesecondopinion. It was a wonderful experience. Everyone was professional and caring. It gave me relief to know I was getting the best treatment and that everything is being done to give me the quality of life I want to have. Thank you to everyone on the panel as well as all the ladies in the office. You made the experience for my family and I very comfortable.
When my cancer recurred earlier this year, I was shocked. My husband and I wanted an independent 2nd opinion to help us decide how to proceed.
The Second Opinion did just that! They freely gave of their time and expertise, including with follow-up questions. They took care of details big and small. They made my husband and me feel comfortable.
We are very grateful that The Second Opinion thought to provide a recorded audio file of our session with the panelists. The panelists covered so much useful information with us that was hard to absorb it all in real time. The recording allowed us to review the information at our leisure. This helped us to proceed with confidence.
We are still very touched by the kindness, thoughtfulness, efficiency and generosity that was shown to us by the folks at The Second Opinion. The service that they provide at an anxious time is truly amazing! We HIGHLY recommend them!
When my husband was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, we were overwhelmed with the choices of treatment available and which one to choose. Not one doctor would tell us what he should do! Thankfully, the wonderful staff and Doctors at The Second Opinion helped us navigate the mirade of options and make a decision on how best to proceed to treat my husband's cancer. The relief and peace of mind we felt were just what we needed at that time! My husband even received personal phone calls from one of the Doctors, which was very comforting to him. I'm so grateful to this amazing organization and all of the work that they do!
Just a note to say how grateful we are to you, Lori, Cheri, Joanie, Dr. Kleckner and the members of the panel for a wonderful experience last Friday. Your combination of professionalism, expertise, generosity, warmth and humor is extraordinary, and we left with a sense of confidence that we are pursuing the right treatment track.
Prior to working for this wonderful nonprofit I referred numerous women diagnosed with breast cancer to thesecondopinion. Most of these women were newly diagnosed and often times were delaying treatment, because they were undecided about their treatment options, or did not fully understand the benefits of each treatment option. Some of the women I referred just wanted to hear from an outside independent medical team that they were receiving optimal care and doing all they could to prevent the cancer from returning. Having free access to an independent second opinion helped these women gain the knowledge they needed to make informed treatment decisions. It also helped to alleviate some of the anxiety and emotional trauma of a cancer diagnosis.
The Second Opinion provided a complete record review and treatment options for my mother's cancer diagnosis. Words can't express our gratitude to the Second Opinion during our time of need. Their care and compassion is exceptional and I would highly recommend the Second Opinion to anyone seeking medical guidance.
After being given an unexpected treatment diagnosis I searched for another opinion. The Doctors and staff at Thesecondopinion were professional, compassionate and caring. Their explanation of my medical situation was thorough and basic enough for my husband and I to understand. They were patient with my many questions and in the end we felt confident with their recommendation.
The Second Opinion is a truly superior non-profit with a mission to help all cancer patients, regardless of income.
This is a great organization with a caring staff--- an absolute must visit by cancer patients who want to understand more about their cancer. And all services are free.
theSecondopinion provides a service which is valuable and, as far as I can determine ,unique in the country. The availability of a truly objective, multidisciplinary second opinion in adult oncology gives valuable guidance, advice, and support to patients when they are at their most vulnerable.
Terrific organization providing much-needed support to patients and their families. I'm honored to serve on the Board of Directors.
Fantastic! The staff made me feel so welcome and comfortable and willing to do whatever they could to help. Without them I might not have found the additional tumor and a path towards healing.
Thanks!
As a cancer widow, I know first hand the stresses and anxiety surrounding a diagnosis. What do you do next? Who do you call? Should you trust what you have been told?
TheSecondOpinion (TSO) places the knowledge and power around these situations back in the arms of the patient. TSO does this by offering free, comprehensive, multidisciplinary second opinions from a panel of board certified volunteer physicians. Dealing with cancer is difficult enough without the inevitable second guessing that occurs when you aren't sure what to do.
TSO enables patients and their families to move forward with decisions that are informed and collaborative so that they can focus on getting through the process confidently together. That's a powerful gift - and it makes a difference.
I met with the staff of thesecondopinion and the wonderful doctors almost four years ago. I left that meeting with a new lease on life, planned and made several trips and then rescued my "partner" Cooper (dog). After meeting with you, I felt confident enough to take on the responsibility...Thesecondopinion made a BIG difference for me.
I was referred to The Second Opinion.org by my hair professional as I was entering cancer treatment. I am completely blown away, as was my partner who attended with me, by the level of the offering from this organization. A panel of doctors familiarized themselves with my case, and we sat and discussed to answer all my questions. This was extremely helpful for me in making some tough decisions about what treatment I was willing to accept and what I was willing to reject. Very hard stuff! I came away from this experience feeling like a much better informed and prepared person to participate in my own health care. They are of the highest professional level and really know what they're doing.
I first found out about thesecondopinion about a year after one of my dear friends had died of cancer. I knew she and her husband had really struggled with finding out what was "WRONG" and it was a heartbreaking time for all of their family and friends. I knew that they had found "peace" before she passed but I didn't know that it had been attained through their interaction with thesecondopinion. My friend's widower went on to become the President of the Board of Directors for TSO and recruited me to join the Board in recent years. He was so impressed with how much they had helped their family in a time of need. Since my involvement with TSO I have seen this happen time and time again. They do good work.
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I have been associated with TSO since 2006 and currently serve as President of the Board of Directors. I recently had the opportunity to use our organization when my husband of 38 years was diagnosed with melanoma. Compassion, clarity and choice. That is what we do and I am so grateful that I can help with continuing the mission.
thesecondopinion does an amazing job in supporting people in dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Highly recommended!
I referred several people to you that were given pretty grim verdicts. 2 are still alive 5 years later. Both have lower energy but all of them tole me "you saved my life!" It brings tears. Hopefully you know you came through for them. A 3rd person whose cancer had really spread when she came to thesecondopinion and she lived for 3 more years than expected which she undoubtedly would not have without your intervention. It took her son and daughter with one on the arms and one on the legs to have her get a second opinion. You have saved/extended lives. Thank you.
I as very grateful of the services provided to me the SecondOpinion Staff. I first met with the team when I was initially diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, during the meeting they were supportive, caring and informative reviewing my case. I went to them a second time this past June, which I was even more grateful, since they usually meet with a patient one time. After reviewing my case again, they recommended with a specific Doctor, that was approved by my oncologist. In short, I'm completing my recovery form the surgery and at this point off all medications for the cancer! I have recommended The SecondOpinion to many people for the great, supportive, honest and caring service that they provide.
After a recent diagnosis of breast cancer a friend mentioned her excellent experience using "the second opinion" to discuss her own cancer diagnosis. I met with my panel who had carefully reviewed all of my medical records. The panel listened very carefully to my concerns and helped me come up with a treatment plan that was specific to my situation and my family history. I was then able to approach my own doctors with the plan that was readily accepted. I was thankful to have a place to run by options and check out the advice given to me by my own medical team. In addition to the excellent knowledge, I found the panelists very warm and humane. I would recommend this service (and have) to others.
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Thesecondopinion provides a vital service unavailable even at the most prestigious of facilities FOR FREE to California residents. A group of reputable up-to-date physicians who specialize in cancer volunteer their time to assist vulnerable patients in the management of their disease.
Our client surveys consistently report how having access to a second opinion has helped them on multiple levels – from truly understanding their diagnosis and ability to plan for their futures, to ways to improve symptom management and connections to additional support services.
This is the only organization of its kind in the United States, surviving solely by word of mouth and volunteerism for more than 40 years!
I was diagnosed with high grade T2 bladder cancer at a NCI-Recognized Cancer Center. Translation: bad news at a very good place. Almost on a whim I visited TheSecondOpinion. Short story: they discovered an error in the diagnosis that was accepted by my docs and reversed the direction of my treatment. Without TheSecondOpinion my life would be very different.
I am so thankful for having the opportunity to go to thesecondopinion and participate in a panel with their amazing doctors. It was a breath of fresh air to get a 2nd opinion. What a needed organization they run there!! All of the staff at thesecondopinion are special people. I hope they are around for another 25 years. I'm so blessed to have been selected to visit them. thesecondopinion is a wonderful service for people diagnosed with cancer.
To give moral support, I accompanied a friend to her appointment with thesecondopinion. I was very impressed with the welcoming attitude of the staff and the caring and positive atmosphere during the discussions that took place while we were there.
TSO is a wonderful organization, and I am so grateful that this benevolent service is available to cancer patients.
Kudos to all who give of their time and expertise to this organization!
Andrea Cross
Having been in medical oncology practice for over 30 years I learned how important it is for patients to both understand their disease and have clarity with respect to choices of treatment. Thesecondopinion provides free second opinions to cancer patients in the State of California by utilizing over 60 volunteer cancer specialists who review the chart, imaging and pathology and meet as a multidisciplinary panel in person with the patient and their family in an informal setting. I have been privileged to be medical director of thesecondopinion for the past 3 years and have seen first hand the impact the organization has in helping people make peace with their disease.
I joined the board after attending six memorial services in seven weeks for friends, family members and neighbors all of whom had died from some form of cancer. I wanted to work with an agency that directly touches patients lives across all types of cancer and provides significant, immediate benefits.
TSO does just that. The physicians are passionate about helping patients and their families understand and make informed decisions regarding their disease and various treatment options.
The organization has been slow to grow and expand, which was another key attraction to me as there is much potential and the services should be easily replicated across other geographic regions. My background lends itself to this type of challenge, thus I hope that we can spur some growth changes so that many more cancer patients will benefit from the TSO model.
Thesecondopinion is an amazing agency that I wholeheartedly support. Having a history of cancer in my family, I have personally seen the fear, confusion, and frustration that a cancer diagnosis can have on both the patient and their families. Having a strong support network, a place to turn for deeper understanding and answers, is critical.
Giving those who have been diagnosed with new or recurrent cancer the opportunity to sit in person (!) with 4-6 doctors from different specialties to ask questions and receive an independent and multi-disciplinary review of their diagnosis is such a valuable opportunity that is unique only to this organization.
This is a truly profound opportunity for patients, who walk away with a deeper understanding and clarity. The great service provided and the talent and compassion of those involved in the organization make me proud to stand behind and support their efforts.
Review from Guidestar
What a great resource! The only agency in the US that provides free multidisciplinary second opinions. Instead of just one doctor from one discipline reviewing medical records, thesecondopinion provides 4 to 6 doctors from different specialties and from different hospitals...and all are volunteers...Unlike other opinions, the patient is required to meet the doctors in a panel format so they can ask questions directly and express concerns. Everything is tape recorded and the patient keeps the tape.